The role that micro-organisms play in maintaining a balance in the environment Flashcards
What can autotrophic bacteria, phytoplankton, and algae do?
They can manufacture their own food by photosynthesis.
What happens to the carbohydrates produced by autotrophic organisms?
They are available to consumers.
What role do autotrophic bacteria play in a food chain?
They form the first link in a food chain.
What is the waste product of photosynthesis and its significance?
Oxygen is the waste product, made available to other organisms for respiration.
Who are the main decomposers in an ecosystem?
Bacteria and fungi are the main decomposers.
What do decomposers do?
They break down dead plant and animal remains and return the nutrients to the soil.
What are organisms that break down dead organic matter called?
They are called saprophytes.
What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
Bacteria play an important role in the nitrogen cycle.
What can free living bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into?
They can convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia and nitrates.
In what form can higher plants use nitrogen?
Higher plants can only use nitrogen when it is in the form of nitrates.
How do higher plants obtain nitrogen?
They rely on bacteria for the conversion of nitrogen.
What special relationships do some plants form?
Some plants form special relationships with nitrogen fixing bacteria.
What do de-nitrifying bacteria do when plants and animals die?
They return nitrogen to the atmosphere by a process called denitrification.
